Sheridan County is home to all the finalists for AARP Wyoming’s highest volunteer honor, the Andrus Award — and all of them volunteer at Sheridan Memorial Hospital!
Named after AARP founder Ethel Percy Andrus, the Andrus Award recognizes Wyoming’s outstanding volunteer age 50 or older for their exceptional commitment to serving others.
Richard Garber has been a longtime member of the Sheridan Memorial Hospital Foundation Board, co-chairing fundraising campaigns that raised $5 million for Transitional Care services and an additional $8.2 million for the hospital’s new Behavioral Health Unit. He also serves on the Sheridan Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees. Beyond SMH, Garber has volunteered with the Sheridan County Chamber of Commerce, Big Horn Cemetery and Dementia Friendly Wyoming.
“Richard’s dedication to Sheridan Memorial Hospital and the well-being of our community is truly inspiring,” said Jasmine Martinez, development coordinator for the Sheridan Memorial Hospital Foundation. “His advocacy and leadership have strengthened healthcare for all of us, and it has been an honor to work so closely with him on the Foundation Board.”
Stella and Clarence Montano have dedicated decades of service to the Sheridan community. Together, they have delivered Sunday home-delivered meals, volunteered with the Alzheimer’s Association and served on several local boards, including Heritage Towers Senior Living and Life Link of Sheridan County. Stella also serves as a Sheridan County Chamber of Commerce ambassador and is a member of the Sheridan Memorial Hospital Auxiliary.
Martinez said the Montanos embody the spirit of volunteerism through their unwavering commitment to others.
“Stella and Clarence have devoted themselves to making Wyoming a place where older adults can live with dignity and purpose,” she said. “I am fortunate to spend time with them both as volunteers at SMH and as engaged community members. You can find them at nearly every community event, always ready to lend a hand. Their leadership, passion and dedication to helping others thrive have made a meaningful difference, and I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from and work alongside them.”
Bliss Ragsdale has volunteered with Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Hospice since 2016 and has also dedicated the past 14 years to CHAPS Equine Assisted Services. Through CHAPS, Ragsdale regularly brings therapy ponies to the hospital’s long-term care facility, Sheridan Green House, creating joyful and meaningful moments for elders.
Hospice social workers Cindy Baker, SW, and Kalista Sadler, MSW, PCSW, offered a joint statement on Ragsdale’s nomination for the Andrus Award.
“Bliss’ heart for service is so evident in everything he does. Whether he’s assembling and sending over 100 bereavement mailings each month, helping set up and participating in monthly Hospice Coffee Hours and semi-annual Celebrations of Life or providing companionship and respite care for our Hospice families, Bliss puts his heart in everything he does.
“Our bereaved families say they look forward to seeing Bliss because he helps normalize their grief experiences. Families state Bliss helps them take a deep breath and know their loved one was in good hands. Bliss’ hard work and dedication for both Hospice and CHAPS is meritorious. We are so excited Bliss is being recognized for his service!”
Sheridan Memorial Hospital is grateful for the dedication, compassion and generosity of these volunteers. Their commitment to serving others strengthens our hospital, enriches our community and makes a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve.
Learn more about the finalists and show your support by visiting AARP Wyoming’s Facebook page to like, comment on or share their finalist posts, or cast your vote online here. Voting closes at 3 pm on August 15.